New Air Regulations for Ground Support Equipment

The California Environmental Protection Agency has issued new air regulations, via the California Air Resources Board (CARB), for ground support equipment (GSE) at airports. The new rule has placed an unexpected burden on the ground handling community in California, and the rule’s promulgation is equally concerning to NATA members in other states who may face similar regulations in the future.

CARB was established to work with the public, the business sector and local governments to find solutions to California’s air pollution problems. Specifically, CARB is responsible for maintaining healthy air quality, conducting research into the causes of and solutions to air pollution, and systematically attacking the serious problems caused by motor vehicles, which are the major causes of air pollution in the state.

CARB has taken measures to reduce emissions from automobiles and trucks in the state and recently announced a stricter focus on off-road vehicles and equipment which includes GSE at airports. This group, referred to as Off-Road Large Spark-Ignition (LSI) Equipment, is intended for gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fueled vehicles and equipment. Diesel-fueled vehicles are also regulated, but under a separate rule. The off-road engines covered under this rule only include engines that are greater than 25 horsepower, but this will likely include almost all GSE.